Dennis Manarchy was raised in Rockford, Illinois. He grew a love for photography at an early age and won a scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology. Upon graduation he was fortunate to serve an apprenticeship for legendary photographer, Irving Penn. It was a highly disciplined and uncompromising environment. Penn became simultaneously a mentor due to his amazing talent and meticulous nature, and a nemesis because it took years for Dennis to break from his influence and develop his own style.

Dennis was drafted in the army in 1968. After serving as Lieutenant in the Vietnam War, he returned home disillusioned. He met a Lumbee Indian chief in a North Carolina bookstore, and after sharing his story he was invited to move in with the Tribe. Dennis spent 6 months readjusting while immersing himself in their daily life. It was a pivotal experience.

Upon leaving the Tribe, Dennis returned to the Midwest, opened a studio in Chicago and built an international clientele. Throughout his career, he has won national and international awards for his work on campaigns from Porsche to Nike to Harley Davidson to Dior. His first book “En Passant” won the prestigious American Graphic Design award and his latest book, “Metal” and “Metal 2” each won Graphics Gold in 2009 and 2010.